Dole glanced at Conti, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly.
The head of the Peacock Orchid Family—not bad. He could be groomed in the future as an affiliated noble house of his royal clan.
He turned his head, his gaze sweeping across everyone. At this moment, they all lowered their heads.
Dole sneered. "Very good. It seems no one takes the words I spoke back then seriously anymore."
Everyone's expressions changed. They tried to rise, only to discover that their buttocks seemed glued to their chairs; they could not get up at all.
But they could still speak, and several people immediately began loudly protesting their innocence.
"Lord Dole, there's been a misunderstanding."
"Lord Mayor Dole, they all agreed to it. I had no choice but to agree as well."
"Lord Mayor Dole, it was Viego and Gordon—they offered far too much money."
"My Lord Mayor, we've been wronged."
The meeting room immediately descended into chaos, everyone shouting that they were innocent.
Only seven people made no move at all: Viego, Gordon, Leonlier, Wayne, drenched in sweat, and the heads of the other three great families.
They already knew that Dole had likely made up his mind. Whatever they said now, it was too late.
Looking at everyone, Dole merely uttered two words in a flat tone. "Silence."
It was as though fate's judgment had clamped down on their throats. Everyone opened their mouths, yet not a single sound came out. The room suddenly fell deathly silent.
Dole looked toward Viego, his gaze even somewhat languid as he slowly said, "Tell me. Which faction do you belong to?"
Viego had long prepared his speech. He was speaking from the standpoint of the nobility now, and it should be able to resonate with everyone. Thus, he smiled faintly. "What are